Morocco Highlights & High Atlas Mountains

Impersonating shades of scarlet and crimson, the Atlas Mountains rise up from the desert floor like something not entirely real; clay Berber villages hugging the valley sides while walnut groves thrive against all odds.

Morocco has fascinated Westerners for centuries and taken visitors back to a slower time of mint tea sipped in tiled courtyards and sun-drenched bazaars selling hand-knotted carpets. An exotic gateway to the African continent, Morocco’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a tailor-made destination for even the well-seasoned traveler. From winding narrow alleyways through bustling medinas, to the towering cliff faces of the Atlas Mountains, your customized journey will introduce you to the splendid highlights of this astonishing country. In the evenings, relax in a mixture of dazzling riads and fine hotels that offer extraordinary surroundings and Moroccan charms.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fez with your private vehicle and guide and visit the many blacksmithing, leather working, silk and tapestry workshops that have been in existence for over 100 years. As you make your way to Marrakech, explore the rugged terrain of the Middle Atlas Mountain range and stop in at the Berber village of Immouzer de Kandar. Continuing on to Marrakech, explore the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, the El-Bahia Palace, and the famous Saadian Tombs. Experience an off-road adventure through serpentine, non-graveled roads to one of the highest perched villages of the range, some 2,000 feet high. After marveling at the breathtaking vistas, head back down to a picturesque village and watch the light play on the red clay structures as the sun slowly dips behind purple jagged peaks.

Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our local representative.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel, or viceversa.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Royal Mansour

Fes Mosque

La Maison Bleue

Day 2: Casablanca - Fes

A modern city and the trade capital of Morocco, Casablanca is a magnificent mix of modernism and tradition. It is the largest metropolitan city in the Maghreb and is characterised by elegant buildings, great avenues and unique architectural art forms and Moorish finishing's featured throughout the numerous domes and columns. This booming cosmopolitan city is characterized by the King Hassan II mosque located by the sea and featuring a 200 meter minaret that dominates the city's landscape. The Mosque is open to non muslims as a daily shared tour which highlights it's impressive modern interior. Then drive to visit the Jewish Historical Museum of Morocco in the Oasis area of Casablanca. Again, a driver and guide is at your disposal and will provide insight into the best this city has to offer.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between Casablanca and Fes. During the transfer, enjoy some brief touring stops including a visit to Meknes, the famed Ismailia capital known for its 40 km long walls and numerous gates. Next, visit Bab Mansour, the Royal stables, the amazing markets and also the popular Jewish quarter. Before arriving in Fes, explore the ruins of the ancient city of Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Upon arrival into Fes, a hotel drop-off is provided.

Accommodation: Riad Maison Bleue

Bab Boujelud Gate to the Medina

Day 3: Fes

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Explore the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco during this full day tour of Fes. Also known as Fes el Bali, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century, and is home to the world's oldest university. The city of Fes reached its true economic and cultural height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Merinids, when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fes has retained its status as the country's Artisan centre. Artisan workshops in the medina are as active today as they were 100 years ago, and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as blacksmithing, leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestries, and sculpting are still practiced in these workshops today. The original ramparts still protect this ancient city and its estimated 9000 narrow passageways and bustling streets.

Accommodation: Riad Maison Bleue

Koutoubia mosque

La Maison Arabe

Day 4: Fes - Marrakech

Travel in a privately driven vehicle from Fes to Marrakech, making a lunch stop en-route. Explore the rugged terrain of the Middle Atlas Mountain range, boasting towering cliff faces, and incredible passes. Drive by the scenic berber villages of Immouzer de Kandar and the university town of Ifrane for a glimpse into rural living in Morocco. Explore the Kasbah of Ras El Ain and mingle amongst the merchants to find the perfect gift. The approximate travel time is 7.5 hours.

Accommodation: La Maison Arabe

Koutoubia Mosque

Day 5: Marrakech

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Your tour usually starts at the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. This mosque's beautiful minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakech and can be seen from almost every approach to the city thanks to a long-standing planning ordinance that forbids any other building in the old city to rise above the height of a palm tree. You will also visit the El-Bahia Palace. This 19th century palace is elaborate in its decoration and was built over a period of seven years for Ba Ahmed, the son of the Grand Vizier Si Moussa. There are row after row of apartments—that once housed Ahmed's harem—a trapezoidal garden, a huge tiled courtyard, and many hidden treasures, both in the form of antique objects d'art and the palace's convergence of Andalusian and Moorish architecture. One of most visited sites in Morocco is the Saadian Tombs, which were only accessible via the mosque next door. However, in 1917 they were opened to the public and can now be accessed via a narrow passage that leads to an enclosed garden watched over by two mausoleums that include more than one hundred mosaic-decorated tombs. The Koranic School Medersa Ben Youssef is a Theological college founded by the Merenid Sultan Abu Hassan in the 14th century. It was restored in 1564 by the Saadians who made it the largest theological college in the Maghreb and a rival to the important Medersa Bou Inania in Fés.

Accommodation: La Maison Arabe

Ramparts

Day 6: Marrakech

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you and you'll drive to the coastal city of Essaouria (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival you'll embark on a tour of this charming whitewashed town which was formerly a Portuguese colony. You'll explore the lively port, the colorful souk, its ramparts, and the lovely street of thuya craftsman. For lunch, you may wish to eat at one of the many fish stalls near to the port where the morning’s catch is on display and cooked right in front of you. You'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own before driving back to Marrakech.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: La Maison Arabe

High Atlas Mountain

Kasbah du Toubkal

Day 7: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountain

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountain region. The approximate travel time is 1 hour.

The walking in this region is fantastic and here we have listed some of the most scenic and spectacular. There are some fabulous walks from the Kasbah which can be tailor-made to suit your interests and fitness level (from 45 min walks to 7hour treks with a private mountain guide. You can also choose to do 4X4 excursions, Horse or Mule Treks, Mountain Biking or choose to just relax at this fantastic property. All activities can be booked direct at the hotel or if you would prefer us to book them prior to arrival we would be happy to make the arrangements. (activities not included in the tour price)

Accommodation: Kasbah du Toubkal

High Atlas Mountains Walk

Day 8: High Atlas Mountain

Prepare for a day of exploration and cultural enrichment as you head out aboard a 4-Wheel Drive vehicle into the picturesque surroundings of the High Atlas Mountains Ranges accompanied by a local expert guide. Depart in the morning from Asni to the hamlet if Imlil where the off-road adventure begins. Enjoy the view as you'll be driven along the serpentine, non-graveled roads to one of the highest perched villages of the range, some 2000 feet high. En-route, marvel at the many terrace-lined towns and small mud-brick houses. Make a stop along the way to the local old hydraulic and olive press which to this day is still in use. A visit to the Takherkhort Reserve is also scheduled where you can enjoy a walk through native flora and fauna, stopping along the way to take some photos of the Barbary sheep and the over 150 species of birdlife. Upon your arrival to the Mountain Lodge you will feel the greatest sense of homeliness and comfort by the welcoming scent of freshly baked bread, as the local woman demonstrate Berber hospitality at its finest. As the ancient oven continues to bake, you will be seated on a panoramic terrace and served local delicacies and of course some of that freshly baked bread as you admire the almost surreal surroundings. From here, you will be driven to the town of Tahanoute, a picturesque village set amongst a variety of olive groves, and citrus trees for an opportunity to admire the red clay structures built according traditional Berber construction techniques. A local resident will prepare a home-cooked meal for your enjoyment, with a special "table-setting" atop their roof. This opportunity allows you to experience the everyday life of these mountain people.

Accommodation: Kasbah du Toubkal

Day 9: High Atlas Mountain

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer from the High Atlas Mountain region to Casablanca. The approximate travel time is 4 hours.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Le Meridien Royal Mansour

Le Meridien Royal Mansour - Lobby

Le Meridien Royal Mansour - Casablanca

Royal Mansour, with its classic Moroccan architecture and design, stands tall and regal in the centre of Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca. Le Royal Mansour Méridien has 182 rooms and a multitude of services available for travelers’ use. The restaurants are a key attraction, with a breakfast buffet that wins over even the most discerning taste buds. With stunning views of Casablanca’s harbor and the Hassan II mosque, Le Royal Mansour Méridien is set in the heart of the economic capital of the Kingdom of Morocco.The hotel’s many amenities include meeting facilities, banquet halls, a fitness center, a spa, and La Douira restaurant, which serves classic Moroccan cuisine. Some of Casablanca’s best sites are in close proximity to the hotel, including the Place des Nations Unies, New Medina, the winding streets of the Old Medina, and the Central Market.

Riad Maison Bleue - Fes

Renovated from ruins, Riad Maison Bleue, the sister property to La Maison Bleue, is an elegant hotel that successfully combines traditional Moroccan influences with modern sensibilities. The 18 suites, comfortable restaurant, private spa and hammam, well-equipped gym and intimate bar exude an air of discreet luxury. The main courtyard, with its swimming pool and lush garden is surrounded by three guest rooms and a Moorish salon. Here you will be welcomed upon arrival with a bowl of orange-blossom scented milk and almond-stuffed dates. Six of the suites overlook this courtyard, where the palm trees, mandarin trees and pool combine to create an oasis of calm. The hotel offers a choice of two ‘a la carte’ menus comprising traditional Moroccan cuisine or international dishes. There is also a room service menu available.

La Maison Arabe - Marrakech

La Maison Arabe is a legendary hotel located in the romantic medina of Marrakech and features elegant rooms and suites, unique and traditional menus at the restaurants, a swimming pool, spa and cooking school. The hotel is built around 2 flower-filled patios. In the center of one is a refreshing fountain. Moroccan craftsmen worked long months restoring this riad (traditional Marrakech house) to its noble origins, using materials and techniques handed down over centuries.

Kasbah du Toubkal - High Atlas Mountain

The Kasbah du Toubkal is an extraordinary venture, the product of an imaginative Berber and European partnership. There is a shared belief that the beauty of the Toubkal National Park should be accessible to all who respect it. To this end the Kasbah has been transformed using traditional methods, from the home of a Feudal Caid into an unprecedented haven; one that provides a variety of accommodation and event possibilities to meet differing requirements. More than a simple guest house, Kasbah du Toubkal offers an extraordinary environment: the opportunity to experience the touching sincerity of Berber hospitality, in a captivating, beautiful setting. Perched in the heights of Imlil, a picturesque mountain village in the heart of the sublime Toubkal National Park, overlooking three valleys with a superb panoramic view, Kasbah du Toubkal is a dream-like refuge infused with peace and serenity. The hotel features gardens, terraces, balconies, restaurant, alcohol-free bar (guests may bring their own alcoholic drinks), underfloor heating, fans, hammam, conference room, Wi-Fi and luggage room. The Kasbah is truly a welcoming environment for those seeking a comfortable mountain refuge in a stunning setting. Kasbah du Toubkal is not a hotel in the traditional sense; it is more an extension of the hospitality that stems from the home of the Berbers who run it. This property was named one of National Geographic’s Most Unique Lodges in the World.

Map

Reviews

Africa
Sachi Gowda ,
December 15, 2014"We are extremely happy with your service from beginning to end and we had very a memorable trip."

Africa
Ronald Jones ,
December 12, 2014"I cannot express how fabulous our trip was!! I know it was made that way thanks to ALL the kind, knowledgable, and helpful people that you all placed in our path. Many went above and beyond to make our experience even more positive. From drivers, to guides, to hotel staff---we met some wonderful people that we can now call friends. Thank you Christine and Kensington tours for this once in a lifetime African adventure!"

Africa
RonJones ,
December 15, 2014"Christine, our family trip was ALL we wanted it to be. The hotel accommodations in the cities were GREAT. We needed to make some room assignment adjustments but that's to be expected with a large family with children and same names.
I don't know where/how ya'll got those guides but...KEEP'EM! In both Cape Town and Joberg the guys knew their cities and environs excellently. Their English was very good...so good in fact that several got the sarcasm and even joked some. I do apologize if we over-tipped. I relied on each family to tip their own driver but, I wasn't sure of their "sense of what was right" so I followed up with something for each.
Simbavati was "PERFECT". As much as Glenda and I really liked Ngala, I do not think they could have handled a family as well...UNLESS, they had accommodations we did not see.
Please rest assured when ever I plan to travel on a multi-dimensional trip in the future, for sure with a group, or maybe just Glenda and I, I'll be calling Kensington... Christine and Donna specifically. And most definitely, anytime I can recommend a travel professional, your company and you two will be mentioned by name!
Thank you again Christine...you presented us the exact trip we dreamed about for our family and your folks on the ground made it happen! I sincerely hope you, Donna and everyone else involved have a most Blessed Christmas and a wonderful, successful New Year!"

Africa
Bruce Lundstrom ,
December 15, 2014"Morocco has a lot to offer. Food, historic sites, craftsmen (rugs, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, etc.), natural beauty, roads and infrastructure, and a reasonably safe environment. Both Guide (Abdel) and Driver were excellent. Service-oriented, timely and easy going. Abdel was not afraid to speak his mind, offer suggestions and give us feedback on ideas. We enjoyed their company."

Africa
AlbertLind ,
December 09, 2014"A truly wonderful trip......first class accommodations and service in each venue....the guides were knowledgable and went out of their way to insure that we could see and understand Africa. Capetown is a fascinating city, Sabi Sands an extraordinary private game preserve, and Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls and the Victoria Falls Hotel a once in a lifetime experience. For those who want to visit Africa we enthusiastically recommend Kensington Tours. And Jolene Plant stayed with us in every step during the planning of our trip and itinerary. We saw as much of Africa as much as anyone can during our two weeks vacation."

Africa
Belinda Skelton ,
December 12, 2014"This was one of the most amazing trips that I have ever had. The custom tours and activities exceeded my expectations. I was traveling alone but felt safe and in good hands. The process of booking the trip with Lily Baffour was so easy and personal, especially with the constant communications from her up to my departure. Thank you Kensington Tours for an awesome experience. I will definitely use you for my next adventure!"

Africa
NancyGarret ,
December 12, 2014"Our week-long tour in Morocco went without a hitch in the company of a great driver and knowledgeable guide who were always prompt, courteous, helpful, and very nice. Kensington Tours' picks for our overnight accommodations were excellent, as well as the excursions planned for us. We're grateful to our conscientious agent, Lily, who went out of her way to make us feel welcome in Morocco. We feel confident that we are in very capable hands whenever we travel with Kensington Tours. "

Africa
KarenKuwahara ,
December 12, 2014"Our trip was a perfect 10 - exceeding all expectations! Starting with Christine Willner's attentiveness to our wish list and balancing it to our budget, every leg and element of our journey took place without so much as a hiccup. We were blown away by the quality of our tours, accommodations and guides. Thank you for giving us a great experience and wonderful memories!"

Africa
Rebecca Warren ,
August 02, 2014"My 26 year old daughter recently traveled alone to Madagascar using Kensington tours. I was a little concerned about her safety and wanted to make sure that she would be well taken care of. Kensington was great from start to finish. Our travel agent, Marc Sisson, put together the tour in very short order with very little notice, had no problem doing it for just one person, and gave me a sense of security that my daughter would be well cared for. She did the Anjajavy 5 Day Beach extension. The tour guide who picked her up at the airport in the capitol city was outstanding -- very knowledgeable and helpful. The Anjajavy hotel was extraordinary. Her pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. She kayaked, swam in the ocean and saw lemurs feeding. She got to practice her French with the outstanding hotel manager and otherwise was able to just relax and unwind. She described the experience as "visiting Eden." I highly recommend Kensington. I contacted a number of tour/travel agencies and none of them compared to Kensington. "

Africa
Shayna Maislin ,
April 21, 2014"I would highly recommend the tour guide that we had in the Serengetti . He was extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and courteous. We all agree that Kensington has first class staff working for them in Africa. All the camps that we stayed at were absolutely beautiful except perhaps for the one in Lake Manyara. All in all it was a spectacular trip!"